Small increase in manufacturing output

In May 2008, the average daily output of Dutch manufacturing industry was 0.6 percent higher than twelve months previously, after an increase of 0.5 percent in April.

Output increased in the metal industry, the chemical industry and in the paper and publishing industry. In the textile industry, food processing and the manufacturing of wood and building materials, on the other hand, output declined relative to May 2007.

Seasonally adjusted figures provide a more reliable picture of short-term production developments. Monthly figures not adjusted for seasonal effects are often somewhat erratic. Therefore, the two-monthly average compared with the previous two-monthly average is a more accurate indicator. After correction for seasonal effects and the number of working days, manufacturing output was nearly 1 percent down in April-May on the period February-March.

Manufacturing output